§ Mr. Hicksasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is now able to announce his proposals in respect of the operating subsidy for the fishing industry; whether this assistance will be extended to inshore vessels of less than 40 ft. in length: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements are being made to follow the temporary aid for the fishing industry granted for the first half of this year.
Mr. PearlThe fishing industry is facing a situation of exceptional difficulty. The Government have accordingly decided to avail themselves of the communication of the EEC Commission of 30th April 1975 and to extend the temporary aid to the United Kingdom fishing industry for a further six months. The general conditions and scope of the arrangements will be the same as they were under the scheme in force for the first six months of this year, but until the end of September the qualifying periods will be halved and the daily rates of grant will be as follows:
Type of Vessel Daily Rate (length) £ 135 ft. and over … … … 80 110 ft.-134.9 ft. … … … 50 80 ft.-109.9 ft. … … … 45 60 ft.-79.9 ft. … … … 20 50 ft.-59.9 ft. … … … 10 40 ft.-49.9 ft. … … … 5 The rates of grant will be reviewed at the end of September.
467WThe cost until then is estimated as some £2¼ million.
The EEC Commission has been informed.
The provision that we have made must not be seen as a continuing measure of support. It is a temporary measure to help the industry to face and adjust to changing circumstances.